Plastic Beer Keg Idea

[Pr8Head]

Hello,
After looking at kegging system prices I came up with an idea for an inexpensive alternative. In the UK they have several different Co2 plastic beer keg systems but I couldn't really find any on this side of the pond. I called my local AirGas company about Co2 and tank and they wanted $73 for 5 lb tank and $18 for Co2. I could use the little Co2 cartridges but would produce alot of empty $1 shells so I decided to skip any type of Co2 but didn't want to oxidize my beer with plain air. So I quit thinking about it which I've found is usually the best way to come up with an idea. Then poof why couldn't you take a 7 gallon bucket with a Gamma seals lid and make an air bladder from a 10 mil drum liner. With the bladder the air would not be in contact with the beer and you could use a bike tire pump instead of Co2. I choose 7 gallon bucket because I want to brew Cooper's beer kits which make 6 gallon batches and it could also hold 5 gallon batches. I don't have any pictures or even buckets yet just pitching the idea. I will post anything as it happens. Thanks!

[hubie]

What you describe sounds like the basis of The Party Pig (http://www.partypig.com/).

How would you keep the Gamma lids on? If you put 10 psi on it, with a lid diameter of 11.75" you're talking putting over 1000 lbs of force on the lid. My guess is that the lid would pop right off, but with a quick search I couldn't find any data on how well plastic bucket lids hold pressure. You might want to find a food grade bucket that has threads on the top, if such a thing exists. If you do, I would highly recommend adding some kind of pressure relief valve if it turns out the lid can stay on past the point of where the bucket would want to burst.

[Pr8Head]

hubie,
Yeah it's basically same idea as Party Pig. As far as lid popage I don't know hadn't thought that far ahead but I guess I'll find out as I've already ordered the stuff. I haven't figured any pressures but I don't think it would take much to push the beer out. I like the shot first ask questions later approach lol. It would be easier without the bladder and the beer would probably be okay no longer than it will live in the keg. But thats why I put it on here to get other points of view.

[shrekfx]

the tank and regulator are one time purch. and you can go to a fire inspecton place that fills fire extin. and getvavtank filled for $12ish.

[Diver Down]

Tim,
Save yourself a lot of troubles and just make the jump. http://www.cornykeg.com/ Is one good place to start.
I've have known a few that tried the bag in the bucket idea. My guess is it didn't work.

[Pr8Head]

Diver Down,
I looked there and they are the cheapest place by far and I could drive there in about 3 hours (but I don't like driving in Cincy) and save shipping. They had pin type corneys for $12 each on clearance. I hope my idea works but if it doesn't hey I'll have more fermenters so it's kinda win win either way. I know even if it does work I'll end up corney kegging in the end. I'm on a TIGHT budget and shouldn't really send what I already have on brewing (Thank you tax check).

[Lamppa]

The problem with this idea is you want to make 6 gals of COOPERS kits....there I said it, you were all thinking it, I said it.

[Steve Urquell]

The problem with this idea is you want to make 6 gals of COOPERS kits....there I said it, you were all thinking it, I said it.

I didn't even catch that.

Those kits aren't very good. When you get ready to brew, post on here about what you want, and we'll help you put together a good recipe.

It will be a crapton better than a Coopers kit and just as easy.

[Lamppa]

My point exactly. But, with that said, the bladder part of the idea is great. We just need to keep the lid on. I might have an idea using dj style buterfly latches. Pics when I'm not on my phone.

[Pr8Head]

I found some 9 gallon HDPE jugs on ebay that have screw on lids with an o-ring for $11.99 + $9,99 S&H. They look like thier built like a tank and are food grade. I also found some faucets for cheap 2 for $42.95 + $9.95 S&H. Thats a total of $96.86 for 2 buckets and faucets. But I looked at Keg Connection and for $194.95 + $7.95 S&H I can get a real keg system with 2 kegs and the whole setup. So I've about decided to just bite the bullet and get the real thing as I'll have to eventually anyway. Once again the old lesson of trying to save pennies costs you dollars. But as I said earlier I'll plenty of fermenters now. As for recipes I will sure check it out when I'm ready to brew. Not knowing anything about brewing the Cooper's kits sound like a great deal for the money. They are on thier way as I type so I'll have to doctor them up a bit I guess. There is a brew supply store about 35 miles away but they only have a limited supply of beer stuff and truck loads of wine stuff. I personally would rather brew rotten gym sock juice than wine lol.

[Lamppa]

The coopers will be fine, don't get me wrong its just that there are better options that's all.

[Steve Urquell]

Yeah, when you get the kits, tell us what's in them and we'll help you make them the best that they can be--which will probably turn out pretty good.

[Pr8Head]

Will do I ordered thier Real Ale, English Bitter, and Sparkling Ale kits. I figured I'd have to doctor them to get about 6% ABV. I emailed them to ask what the ABV% was and they said well it will vary batch to batch depending how you brew it. I figure there has to be an average if you follow instructions. Some supply places list the ABV% but most don't. I currently drink Natural Ice because its cheap and 5.9% ABV and man it's the tastiest beer there is NOT! My favorite I've had so far is Pete's Wicked Ale MMMM but at $8 a six pack is kinda pricey. I'd say my second fav is Sam Adams. When I was in the Navy in Hong Kong I had some REAL Carlsberg and it would knock you socks off. I'd have to say the nastiest beer I ever had was in Singapore Tiger Beer it looked, poured (glopped really), and tasted like used motor oil but I drank it because not to would be alcohol abuse. When I got back to the states I found that Carlsberg import wasn't quite the same it was about 1/2 water as are most American beers. I'd like to stay in the 6% - 7% ballpark as a little more kick equals less glass to get to point D. I love beer I've just never made it before so I really appreciate all the input and help here!!!!!